Sponge Geometry Inspires Stronger, Vibration-Resistant Metamaterials
Researchers have developed new metamaterials inspired by the deep-sea Venus' flower basket sponge, achieving enhanced structural strength and suppressed flow-induced vibrations.
Scientists at UC Berkeley and Harvard University have drawn inspiration from the Venus' flower basket, a deep-sea glass sponge, to create novel metamaterials. This marine organism possesses a remarkably strong yet lightweight skeleton that has fascinated researchers for years. The new metamaterials aim to simultaneously optimize structural resilience and fluid management, two properties that are often in conflict during material design.
Published in Nature Communications, the research details an automated framework that integrates mechanical and fluid-dynamics simulations with optimization tools. This approach allows for the exploration of complex metamaterial designs. According to Costas Grigoropoulos, a co-principal investigator, this novel method is the first to optimize both structural and fluidic responses in metamaterial design, potentially aiding industrial manufacturers in developing lightweight, high-performance materials for applications such as aerostructures and biostructures.
The Venus' flower basket sponge, Euplectella aspergillum, has evolved over millennia to withstand high water pressure and strong currents at depths below 500 meters. Its intricate silica skeleton is both tough and flexible, with a unique lattice geometry that not only provides strength but also efficiently guides fluid flow for feeding. Researchers aimed to replicate these dual functions in their engineered materials.
Timon Meier, a co-lead author, explained the design goals: to create a lightweight structure that is mechanically rigid and can bear significant loads while minimizing material usage. Simultaneously, the fluid-dynamic objective was to design a structure that avoids vibrations caused by fluid flow, a phenomenon known as vortex-induced vibration. This vibration can occur when alternating vortices form behind objects in flowing wind or water, leading to oscillating forces and potential material fatigue.
The research team developed a high-performance computing framework utilizing Finite Element Analysis for mechanics and Computational Fluid Dynamics for flow behavior, coupled with multi-objective optimization. This system automatically evaluates numerous design possibilities based on specified functional characteristics, iteratively refining the design until optimal results are achieved. The optimized materials were then fabricated using 3D printing and tested for their structural and fluidic performance to validate the simulations, with collaborative efforts from labs specializing in flow measurements and mechanical properties.
This development represents a significant step in metamaterial design by successfully integrating structural mechanics and fluid dynamics optimization. Inspired by natural structures, it addresses the critical challenge of vortex-induced vibration in fluid flows, a key concern for aerospace and other industries. The ability to create materials that are both strong and passively manage flow-induced stresses opens avenues for more durable and efficient components, particularly in environments with high fluid velocities.
Edited by the news editor with AI from the original report — please refer to the original source.